Many shots are struck on the toe or outer edge of the clubhead

20 Most common shot problems

Lesson 7 of 20

Diagnosis: Many shots are struck on the toe, or outer edge of the clubhead.  

Explanation:  Ask most weekend players why they are hitting the ball off the toe end of the club and they will invariably answer by saying they are standing too far from the ball. Although this can be a cause it rarely is.

There are basically two very different reasons for striking the ball on the toe end of the clubhead. By observing the direction the ball curves you can determine not only the cause, but also what corrective measure needs to be taken. 

If your toed shots curve to the left your clubface is closed (facing to the left of its path) at impact. In this position the toe end of the club leads the heel into the ball resulting in contact with the toe end of the club.

If your shots curve to the right you will know that your swing is too upright. A too upright swing doesn’t position the club far enough behind you at the top of your swing, thus the club doesn’t move outward enough on the downswing. This results in only the toe portion of the club reaching the target line and the ball.

Correction:     If your toed shots curve to the left your grip needs to be adjusted to correct the early closing of the clubface. Position your hands on the grip with both turned more to the left or counterclockwise.

               If your toed shots curve to right you need to adjust your posture so that you can swing on a less upright plane. Increase your knee flex slightly and decrease the amount that you bend your spine forward. This more upright posture will allows you to turn rather than lift your right shoulder during the backswing. The turning provides the inside element to the arms swing that had been lacking in the backswing. At the top of the backswing the club will now stop over your right shoulder rather than over your head.  The club will now move more outward on the downswing allowing the center of the clubface to reach the target line and the ball.

To schedule an appointment with Steve call Golf Rx at (615) 288-4539